Port Overview

Umm Qasr Port is the largest Iraqi port as well as the only deep-water port, located in Basra Governorate in Umm Qasr region near Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. It's managed by the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). The port was established in 1930 and is considered one of the most important ports in Iraq. The port of Umm Qasr was and still is one of the best Iraqi ports controlling an important section of the Arabian Gulf. The port receives giant ships with deep drafts that are difficult to pass through the waters of the Shatt al-Arab. Note that the port was divided into two parts by the Ministry of Transport in 2010 "South" and "Northern", each with its own administration, several operators and container terminals, handling, loading, discharging and warehousing operations. The Ministry of Commerce depends on the port directly for importing various foodstuffs and commodities.

Port website: www.scp.gov.iq/

Key port information may also be found at: https://www.maritime-database.com/port.php?pid=3825

Port Picture

Layout of Umm Qasr South Port

At Umm Qasr South Port terminal operators Gulftainer and CMA CGM are handling containers, Iraqi Port Authority (IPA) is handling bulk and general cargo.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

GCPI (General Company for Ports of Iraq) is a state company under the Ministry of Transport in Iraq, founded on October 9, 1919, GCPI manages all the Iraqi ports and navigation in the territorial waters and administration maintenance and dredging in the navigational channels.
 

Umm Qasr South Port (IQUQS)

The southern port, which was built in the 1940s, is the oldest of the two. Only container bonded storage is available at the port. The Iraqi Port Authorities (IPA) are removing all covered warehouses in the port for private cargo in 2017, and all services and equipment are provided by private terminal operators. The IPA has created a new "electronic gate" control system for calling, stevedoring, and invoicing vessels, which is operated and monitored from a control room that tracks vessel movements and can review the paperwork converted to the electronic system.

Currently, there are 10 berths at this port, all of which are managed by different companies, as listed below:

Berth No. 1: Government (Military berth)

Berth No. 2: Break Bulk/General Cargo IPA

Berth No. 3: Break Bulk IPA

Berth No. 4: Manarat Umm Qasr

Berth No. 5: CMA CGM and APL

Berth No. 6: Belongs to IPA, general cargo

Berth No. 7: IPA

Berth No. 8: Gulf Tainer (used for containers, bonded corridor to Umm Qasr Logistics Centre)

Berth No. 9: IPA

Berth No. 10: Ministry of Trade – Silo for grains

Umm Qasr North Port (IQUQN)

Umm Qasr North Port is now Iraq's busiest port (2020/2021) that can handle all forms of cargo, including containerized, bulk break, and Ro-Ro. Most of the port berths are managed by several private terminal operators with the necessary capacity to handle and store a diverse range of goods. The overall aspect of North Port can be described as well-organized container yards (Gulftainer Terminal (ICT), Aloreen, Basra Multipurpose Terminal (BMT), Basrah Gateway Terminal (BGT/ICTSI) and Umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC)) embedded in a multi-purpose port area.

The railway line between the port and the capital is operational, and containers can be transported to a bonded rail terminal in Baghdad for roughly half the cost of transporting them by truck over the same distance. Trains run once a week, and the rail terminal has the potential to qualify as a dry port.

This port now has four terminals and seventeen berths, all of which are managed by different companies, as stated below. 

Terminal No. 1 Iraqi Container Terminal (ICT)

The terminal consists of two berths (11 A, 11 B) that were newly constructed by Basra Mas Construction company and funded by Gulftainer in 2012. ICT operates jointly with the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) and Gulftainer as terminal operator. Gulftainer was established in 1976. Gulftainer is a privately owned, independent port management and 3PL logistics company based in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and for more than 40 years they have been delivering world-class performance to their customers. Highly qualified team with excellent skills performs the operations efficiently. The service quality and operations efficiency enabled the terminal operator to attract well-known shipping lines such as Maersk Line. The port authority staff works jointly with Gulftainer operation team to facilitate cargo delivery operations according to the national rules and instructions.

ICT provides an integrated port operation because the terminal owns the following facilities:

• Two berths (250 meters each).
• Two Gantry Cranes.
• Two Mobile Cranes (100-ton capacity each).
• Reach Stockers 9 units.
• Empty Container Handlers 2 units.
• Storage Yard 25 hectares.
• Power Supply for Reefer Containers 778 Plugs.
• Scanner for cargo inspection (operated by Customs Authority).
• Terminal Operating System (TOS) type JADE System.
• Compliance with ISPS code requirement.
• ICT relates to Umm Qasr Logistics Center (ULC), which adds more facilities to the operation, extra storage capacity and modern logistics services.

Terminal No. 2 Basrah Multipurpose Terminal (BMT)

The terminal consists of four berths (12, 13, 14, 15) under a joint operation contract between GCP and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years. The company operational staff and management are performing in an efficient manner making the terminal productivity at higher level. The company profile shows a multiple transport portfolio including terminal operations, storage capacity, cargo clearance services, and land transport with specialized equipment. The terminal recently welcomed Iraq's largest container vessel historically, the 325-meter long MSC Rita. The arrival was marked by a visit from H. E. Captain Kadhim Finjan, the Minister of Transport, who took the helm and successfully piloted the massive vessel safely through the channel. BMT is considered as fully integrated terminal with separated customs authority, gates, cargo inspection scanner, TOS, compliance with ISPS code and qualified management team, both from port authority as well as Aloreen Company.

The terminal provides efficient operations as it has the following facilities:

• Four Berths 800 m long (200 m each)
• A 40-hectare open storage yard
• Four sheds with area of 4,620 m² each (140 x 33 meters)
• Four stores with area of 5,610m² each (170 x33 meters)
• A storage yard (Ramadan Yard) with area of 9 hectares
• Two mobile cranes ( 100 tonnes lifting capacity each)
• Harbor cranes with different lifting capacity (3,8, and 15 tons)
• Reach Stacker 8 units
• Empty Container Handler 2 units
• Power supply for Reefer Containers 288 plugs
• Lifting mobile cranes for yard operations
• Forklifts with different capacity
• Separated Custom Authority
• Compliance with ISPS code.

Berth No. 16 Marlog Berth General Cargo

The berth is under a joint operation contract between the General Company for Ports of Iraq and Marlog company for a period of 10 years. The Marlog Group handles cargo from worldwide to Iraq, through their own shipping department for part or full chartering, or through their forwarding offices around the globe. In Umm Qasr North Port, Marlog manages a multi-user container terminal at berth 17, which is used by the container lines. The company started operations according to this contract in November 2017 and the rehabilitation of berth, shed, store, yards, and cargo handling equipment undertaken by the company accordingly. The contract includes implementing a TOS as well as ISPS code requirements to perform safe operations.

The berth has different facilities as follows:

• Berth with 200 meters length
• Shed with area of 1,320 m² (40 x 33 m)
• Store with area of 2,310 m² (70*33 m)
• Open storage yards of 21.8 hectares
• Provides cargo handling equipment.

Berth No. 17 Ataa' Alqurba Berth General Cargo

The berth is under a joint operation contract between the General Company for Ports of Iraq and Ataa' Alqurba Company, which is part of an alliance with Manarat Umm Qasr Company for Marine Services. The company has a considerable profile of port activities and continues to do business with UQNP through attracting a significant number of vessels. The statistics of UQNP have shown that the company has performed the unloading operation and yard operation efficiently, leading to achieve record of unloading 10,000 tons of steel bars per day. They're also handling bulk cargo, break bulk cargo, and containers. This company is operated and owned by Iraqi people 100% with high qualification and skilled workers. The joint operation contract includes the rehabilitation of berth, shed, store, yards, and cargo handling equipment to be undertaken by the company accordingly. It also includes implementing a TOS as well as ISPS code requirements to perform safe operations. The berth has different facilities as follows:

• Berth with 200 meters length
• Shed with area of 4620 m² (140*33 m)
• Store with area of 5610 m² (170*33 m)
• Open Storage yards 16.8 hectares
• Bulk handling equipment and bagging machines
• Provides cargo handling equipment
• Harbor cranes with different lifting capacities.

Berth No. 18 Baha Baghdad Berth General Cargo

Currently, berth 18 is the only berth not-contract and operated by the port authority together with local stevedores. This berth is multifunctional where different kinds of cargo are handled except containers. Normally, using harbour cranes or geared vessels performs the unloading operation. This berth has a storage shed with area of (l 40*33m) and storage shed with area of (l 70*33m). Like other berths, this berth is 200 meters long where different sizes of vessels can be accommodated. The maintenance and rehabilitation of berth 18 is under port authority responsibility, which differs from other berths under joint operation contracts.

Terminal No. 3 Basra Gateway Terminal BGT

The terminal consists of three berths (19,20,21) under a joint operation contract between GCPI and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) for a period of 20 years. BGT is Iraq's premier container and multi-purpose cargo handling facility at the port of Umm Qasr. Operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), the leading international terminal operator, BGT provides a modern new gateway to Iraq with a service ethic based firmly on meeting shipping line and cargo shipper needs. Investment spans the upgrade of Berth 20, the existing container handling facility, and a major Expansion Project that in the first phase will deliver 200 meters of new container quay, providing an additional 300,000 TEU capacity per annum. Specialized roll-on roll-off capacity is available at Berth 21.

Basra Gateway Terminal delivers major efficiencies to shipping line and cargo shipper clients through an unrivalled service package which includes the following key elements:

• Specialized container, general cargo/project cargo and RoRo berth facilities.
• Reefer Services (21 O plugs).
• Unimpeded berth access.
• Large, paved, terminal areas offering high quality secure storage capacity and specialized zones for back-up activities such as container stuffing and stripping. 40.4 hectares as open storage yards, 2 sheds with area of (l 40*33m) and one store with area of (l 70*33m).
• Modern cargo handling plant including ship to-shore container gantries (2 ZPMC) and heavy-duty mobile cranes (2 Libber) able to operate Panamax dimension vessels.
• A customer focus supported by the progressive roll-out of state-of-the-art IT systems.
• A highly secure terminal gate and operating overhighly environment with full perimeter fencing.
• Direct connection to the main Basra Highway and to the major oilfields in Southern Iraq as well as to Baghdad.

Berth No. 22: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction.

Berth No. 23: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction. 

Berth No. 24: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction.

Terminal No. 4 Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT)

The terminal consists of three berths (25,26,27) under a joint operation contract between GCPI and ICTSI Company for a period of 26 years. (ICTSI) formally opened the first phase of its new Greenfield terminal development at its Basra Gateway Terminal in the UQNP. The terminal is located at the northeast of river number 1 at Umm Qasr and connected to the main Highway. Simultaneously with the rehabilitation of the port's existing facility at Berth 20, just across the bay on a green field site, ICTSI is building a new container and general cargo terminal.

Berth will be 600 m long with the dredged depth alongside consistent with the existing berths within the port and basin, -12.5 m. Container Yard, 50 Ha large, will be used for mixed purposes, both as General Cargo as well as Containers, which will be stacked 4 high. It'll also support several administrative and operations offices supporting the business. 

The berth has different facilities as follows:

• Currently, there is a 300 meter quayside and an additional 300 meters under construction
• Currently, Storage yard 20 Hectares
• Two Gantry Cranes (Terex)
• Three units of RTG
• Empty Container Handlers 3 units
• Terminal Tractors 8 units
• Mann Truck Heads 4 units
• 3 units Cargo Inspection Scanner
• Navis TOS
• ISPS code compliance

*Contact Details available with the WFP Iraq CO and can be provided upon request.

Umm Qasr South Port, Gulftainer Jetty with Mobile Ship-To-Shore Crane Umm Qasr South Port, General Cargo Discharge onto Truck at IPA-Terminal, bagged cargo is discharged directly onto trucks.

Umm Qasr South Port, Gantry Cranes of CMA CGM Container Terminal

Layout of Umm Qasr North Port

Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 11.

Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 12, 13, 14, 15.

Umm Qasr North Port, Cold Storage Containers of Berths No. 12, 13, 14, 15.

 

Umm Qasr North Port, Warehouse of Berth No. 12.

Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 16, 17, 18.

 

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT, Berths No. 19, 20, 21.

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Berth No. 19.

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Warehouse of Berth No. 19.

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Container Terminal at Berth No. 27.

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT, Berths No. 25, 26, 27.

Umm Qasr North Port, RoRo & Containers.

Umm Qasr North Port, Warehouse at UQLC.

Umm Qasr North Port, UQLC Cold Storage Warehouse.

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information

Main Storage Terminal

1. Umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC):

The umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC), an area of 750,000 sqm, has been developed just to the north of umm Qasr Port and is ideally placed to provide an extension to the terminals at the port. The logistics center is fully integrated with facilities to enable value-added services like verification, packaging, labelling and other services. UQLC has direct access to the main Basra - Umm Qasr Road and is placed to take advantage of all the opportunities arising from the impending boom in the Oil and Gas sector. The logistics center contains bonded facilities, in-house customs, life support systems and professional security.

1. Other Storage yards with different operators and sizes to be used for storage services of different kinds of cargo as following:
2. Yards AB24 and AB25 (Rayanat Alood Company) 8.2 Ha.
3. Albadeyah Yard 8 Ha.
4. AIBeedan Yard 3.3 Ha.
5. lbraheem Yard 3.8 Ha.
6. Saady Yard 0.5 Ha.

It is feasible to set up a warehouse within Basra city, either private or state-owned (MoT) warehouses/compounds. Trucking services with different capacities are available at the port.

Stevedoring

The terminals operator companies have the capacity to perform stevedoring and bagging and ensure that the proper cargo is delivered to the correct trucks and the vessel agents coordinate delivery from the cargo to the truck.

Hinterland Information

While the ports in Iraq have been safe for several years, there are still areas of the Iraq hinterland where security remains a real and high-profile concern.

Port Security

Reinforced and gated security procedures are in place.

 

Airport Overview

On the third quarter of 2004, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority resumed regular flights and then followed by courier companies. Currently, Baghdad International Airport contains three terminals. One terminal allocated for Iraqi Airways and another for all the other flights/companies. There was a plan for expanding the capacity of BIA by building three additional terminals but until now nothing can be seen on the ground. 

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

DNATA operates in Baghdad International airport handling cargo terminal operations. On the other hand, Iraqi Airways, managed by Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, is handling commercial and humanitarian air cargo shipments.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Runways

The Class I runway is 4,000m long and lies in the direction of 15L/33R.

This runway is located on the military side of the airfield. It has a length of 3,301m and lies in the direction of 15R/33L.

Helicopter Pad(s)

Four landing areas on the taxiway – Helicopter park on the apron. 6 x helicopter parking 30 m x 8 m. 

Airport Infrastructure Details

Airfield Costs

Contact Iraqi Civil Aviation operations for more information. Below is the contact information:

Email: Operations@icaa.gov.iq

Land line: +964 1 813 2467
Cell: +964 790 531 9779
Cell: +964 0771 1343263

Cargo Terminal Charges

The Cargo Terminal is managed by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (https://icaa.gov.iq/home/contact-us-3/) with DNATA company.

The air-cargo located 1-2 km away from the traveler airport terminals where there is a separate entry/road leading to the area. The location is well secured and there are ongoing operations aiming to expand the capacity of the air cargo operations and storage space. Within the air cargo, there are several authorities responsible for checking and inspect the incoming and outgoing goods. The access to the airport and air-cargo location requires prior approval from the airport authority However, two authorised transportation service companies that have a wide range, capacity, and types of vehicles (30mt, 15mt, reefer, etc.) are available to transport the goods from the air cargo storage space to outside the airport.

The cargo area is open for import & export operations, and it is well equipped, and can offload three cargos at once by having three functional decks. All the required equipment and tools with different capacity are available for loading and offloading process.

The air cargo also has a various storage spaces available for humanitarian use upon notification and coordination. The storage capacity of the hard-structure warehouse is approximately 5,000 Sqm with high roof and several separated sections. The temperature storage area contains two rooms with total capacity to store 13-15 MT of storage space. Additionally, there is a small storage space allocated for storing radioactive materials.

Air-Bridge Charges

Please contact the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) for quotation.

Below is the contact information:

Email: At.manager@icaa.gov.iq; ais.hq@icaa.gov.iq

Land line: +964 1 813 2467
Cell: +964 790 531 9779
Cell: +964 0771 1343263

Security

The airport is only accessible for pre-authorized employees, authorized contractors, and travelers with a valid flight ticket. The security and documents identification and check start 2-3 Km nearby Abas Bin Firnas square at the airport highway. A contracted private Security company (G4S) responsible for providing security and administrative support, physical security at the checkpoints, in addition to the airport security authorities that are responsible for the airport and airplane security.

Airport Overview

Erbil International Airport is a Public/Military airport located in the north-western part on the outskirts of Erbil city. In 2003, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRI) decided to convert the former military base into a modern civilian airport. The airport welcomed the first airline of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in December 2006. The new modernized airport was opened in 2010. The airport is managed by the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRI). The airport is operated under the rules and regulations established by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and has a runway of 4,800 m × 75 m (15,748 ft × 246 ft) that is equipped for ILS CAT II operations.

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Erbil International Airport has five cargo agents (DHL, Blue Way Logistic, Mateen Express, Zarawa, and Mainland Logistic) and only one cargo handling company (DNATA Aviation). DNATA now operates the new cargo terminal, with an approximate capacity of 240,000 tons per year. DNATA also plans to build a new cargo facility, with an area of 26,000 sqm and a capacity of 300,000 tons per year.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Runways

The airport has two runways, both operating and in good condition.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Airport Operating Details

Erbil International Airport can technically receive any type of aircraft. Certain restrictions are imposed by ICAA on the use of older built aircraft in Iraqi airspace.

Customs Guidance

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Storage Facilities

Erbil International Airport does not have sufficient storage capacity available for a large numbers of humanitarian cargo consignments. There is a significant amount of open space within the airport, however there were indications that the erection of any kind of hub will not be allowed on airport grounds. For transporting goods from/to the airport prior clearance from airport security is needed as well.

 

The Cool /chiller storages as below:

In addition: 8 x 40’ HC shipping containers (adjustable temp control) will be adding in EAI cool storage capacity, expected by the end of August 2021.

Number of the available facilities/equipment to transport goods between the New and the Old cargo building:

In addition:

1. Four new 3 tons forklifts will be added to current operations capacity of EIA at the end of August 2021.
2. The EIA is designed to accommodate Airbus A380 and cargo aircraft of this class.
3. There is a plan to build a new shipping facility with an area of ​​26,000 square meters and a capacity of 300,000 tons per year.
4. The humanitarian flight fee may be waived after obtaining approval from the EIA and raising the matter to DNATA.

Airfield Costs

Please reach out to EIA for quotation and information. Below is the contact information.

Airport Security

The airport is secured by the local Kurdistan Government security forces. Passengers are not allowed to drive their own vehicles to the airport. Only one taxi company is authorized to drive passengers to the airport. Two security checks are conducted prior to reaching the airport. The first security check point is carried out to the vehicles and luggage. The second check is conducted in area (approximately 2 km from the airport) where bags are scanned. The airport authorities provide free-of-charge transportation from this area to the airport.

Airport Overview

Basra International Airport was established in the 1960s as a public/military airport in Iraq, and later in the 1980s developed as a gateway to Iraq's only port by the Iraqi government's State Organization for Roads and Bridges (SORB). It's considered the fourth largest airport in Iraq in terms of passenger numbers, according to air transport statistics from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. The airport receives dozens of flights from around the world from which aircraft take off to around the world. Basra International Airport is witnessing increased activity from incoming flights and departures due to the large economic and investment movement in Basra. The airport is around 10.5 kilometres (6.5 miles) from the city centre of Basra. The reference elevation of the airfield is 3 meters (11 feet), and the entire airport is built on old marshlands. The airport can accommodate various types of planes. Elevations range from around 3 m - 8 m above sea level across the site, and natural drainage is poor in the unpaved areas.  

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Basra International Airport has only one authorized company (Lebanese Air Transport Company - LAT) which can cover customs clearance, as well as it runs the cargo terminal, handling, transport, and storage transactions.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Runways

There is no current pavement deterioration, and commercial or military airport operations do not require any modifications or repairs.

Helicopter Pad(s)

Sixteen parking, measurement 25x15 (m), manoeuvring area 100x75 (m), surface concrete. 

Ten parking, measurement 17x8 (m), manoeuvring area 270x188 (m), surface asphalt.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Storage Facilities

The Air Cargo area operated by the (Lebanese Air Transport Company - LAT) has storage space with a capacity of 6,000 m³ for normal storage and 5-10 MT of sensitive temperature storage with ability to double the size of the sensitive temperature storage if it’s necessary/require, and it also contains most of the handling equipment such as (normal forklift, electric forklift, workers, crane, etc.) as well as a security control system such as (camera, fire extinguishers, etc.), and a trucks parking area of 1,000 m³ asphalt floor with sewers, regarding the documentation, payment, and tax procedures, it'll be based on the contract that will be concluded with the Lebanese Air Transport Company (LAT) that runs the cargo terminal, customs clearance, handling, transport, and storage transactions.

Cargo Terminal Charges

Air-Bridge Charges

Please reach out to Basra International airport for quotation and information on below email and phone number: basrah_airoperation@yahoo.com

Phone number: 009647801499376.

Security

Basra International Airport uses certified and a high-quality equipment in the security screening process, in addition to the airport police hiring security agents to protect all aspects of Basra International Airport security, airport staff, flight teams, passengers, and cargo 24 hours a day. 

Airport Overview

The construction of Sulaymaniyah International Airport began in November 2003, and it was inaugurated in July 2005, the airport has facilities for both cargo and passengers. And it has three terminals for departures, arrivals and VIPs, the airport is managed by the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRI), and it's operated under the rules and regulations established by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA), the airport is located 15 kilometres outside of the city of Sulaymaniyah, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Sulaymaniyah International Airport has only one cargo agent (Azmar Air) and only one cargo handling company (Gulf Mar). Gulf Mar approximate capacity 2,000,000 tons per year.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Runways

The airport has one runway, operating in good condition.

Airport Infrastructure Details

Sulaymaniyah International Airport has facilities for both cargo and passengers, and it has also three terminals for departures, arrivals, and VIP.

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

Gulfmar is only responsible for handling and transporting the cargo. As for approvals the importer must submit the required documents to the relevant government departments/authorities to obtain the approvals, and then submit the approvals to the authorities at the airports through the authorized clearance agent. There is a possibility to waive all the fees for the humanitarian flights if the airport is notified in advance about the arrival of the humanitarian shipment, in accordance with Chapter 9 Section (10-18) of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Law (all aircraft providing relief and humanitarian support are exempt from fee at Iraqi airports).

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Storage Facilities

It's possible to rent an office with internet facilities within cargo village. Storage spaces outside the airport are available with the possibility of erecting MSUs in the areas nearby the airport. There's also ample warehouse storage available for rent throughout Sulaymaniyah city, including cold storage and temperature control warehouses.

Airfield Costs

According to Chapter (9) Section (10-18) of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Law, all aircrafts that deliver relief and humanitarian support are exempted from fees and charges at Iraqi airports. A request needs to be submitted to Sulaymaniyah Airport for exemption from fees and other services inside the airport.

Cargo Terminal Charges

Security

The security at the airport is 24hs and both entry points are manned by private security personnel. 

 

The airport formerly was a military airbase that consists of one asphalt runway 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) long and 45 meters (148 ft) wide. The airport was expanded to provide four departure gates, two arrival gates, immigration and passenger services, VIP lounge, arrival and departure halls, taxiway, air cargo dining facilities, and lodging sites for employees. The airport provides/offers all the necessary services for airplanes, including technical supplies, navigation aids. Since 2009 more airlines have begun service to Najaf, including Gulf Air, Middle East Airlines, Qatar Airways, Syrian Air and Turkish Airlines, the airport is serving the Najaf city, and is located on the eastern side of the city.

Seasonality Availability: During Muharam month, the airport operations and capacity expand to the peak to accommodate the increase in the number of passengers. During this month, the airport is congested.

Airport Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List.

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Najaf International Airport is relatively a small airport. Mostly narrow-bodied airplanes land at the airport. Cargos are usually carried by passenger planes. The airport management has a major expansion project that will be completed by the end of 2023.

Runways

Helicopter Pad(s)

Airport Infrastructure Details

The airport can technically receive any type of aircraft; however, the ICAA imposes certain restrictions on the use of older aircraft in Iraqi airspace. For cargo aircraft, there are five aircraft platforms in the cargo ramp, with pallets permanently assigned to a particular aircraft, and there are only two runways available at any time.

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Storage Facilities

The Air Cargo area operated by Pegasus Cargo Company has storage space with a capacity of 1,600 m³ for normal storage and 260 MT of temperature sensitive storage, with ability to double the size of the sensitive temperature storage if it’s necessary/require by using (Refrigerator, and Freezer). Pegasus Cargo Company can also provide most of the handling equipment such as (normal forklift, electric forklift, workers, crane, etc.), as well as a security control system such as (camera, fire extinguishers, etc.). A trucks parking area of 500 m² asphalt floor with sewers. Regarding the documentation, payment, and tax procedures, it'll be based on the contract that will be concluded with the Pegasus Cargo Company that runs the cargo terminal, customs clearance, handling, transport, and storage transactions.

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

Fuel Service Charges

Cargo Terminal Charges

Security

Al Ghadeer Company is an approved and licensed private company and is responsible for the airport’s security.

Overview

The border crossing facilitates all types of cross-border activities between KRI - Duhok and Syria - Semalka. Since the closing of the Rabia/Al-Yarubiyah border crossing in 2014, border activities have grown substantially. The number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) implementing cross-border operations in north-eastern Syria through Fishkhabor crossing point has risen since closure of Rabia.

 

Border Crossing Picture

Daily Capacity

There is a river between KRI and Syria, which forms the natural border between Iraq and Syria. There are two river crossing lanes/points separated into two major uses, one for private/civilian movement and the other for commercial and humanitarian goods movement. Civilian crossings are mainly by boat, and through a one-way pontoon bridge crossing that is also used for commercial and humanitarian movement purposes. The bridge is designed to hold only one truck at a time with a maximum capacity of no more than 25 metric tons. There is a parking area for about 100 trucks that is only available during the daytime. Since trucks from Syria are not allowed to enter KRI, cargo exchange and unloading areas are provided prior to entering the customs area. It is necessary to consider the limited daily capacity of transportation and crossing through this crossing point, though no traffic was observed during the assessment.

Customs Clearance

Passengers

Authorised staff working in humanitarian organizations in NE Syria and Syrian residents with a KRI residence permit are allowed to cross the border.

Border Crossing Permit

The following documents are required by the customs office in their original version in order to cross the border:

1. Identification cards for personal and organizations.
2. Original format of passports/visas and approval letters.
3. The border officials verify all the information on all the supporting documents, matches the objects and people physically present at the border crossing point.
4. Furthermore, organizations must amend their requests if there are any modifications to the initial requirement.

Procedure

1. In addition to the standard entrance and exit stamping routine, passengers and personal luggage are subject to scrutiny and search.
2. Following clearance office approval, citizens need to cross the border by a boat to Syria side (no payment/fee charged). The ride takes five to eight minutes.

For Commodities

Only trucks and supplies authorised by the Fishkhabor governing body/entity are permitted to enter NE Syria.

Border Crossing Permit

The following documents are required by the customs office in order to cross the border:

1. Tax exemption documents (The organization should have a valid registration at KRI).
2. Packing list for the items.
3. Permission for movement.

Notification: All organizations should consider that the border authorities are ONLY there to facilitate access to cross the border. Therefore, organizations must plan, manage, organize, and coordinate logistics aspects, such as:

1. Obtaining KRI-licensed trucks that will transport cargo across the bridge.
2. Organizing Syrian trucks and laborers to facilitate the cross-loading.
3. Prepare for onward transportation into NE Syria, across the border because KRI or Syrian trucks are not permitted to remain in the designated parking area overnight.

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

To use the crossing, NGOs need to be registered in both the KRI and NE Syria and they need to get approval for the movement of goods and personnel from the Border and Customs Manager in Fishkhabor/Peshabor. Requests for approval should be submitted to the following email address: Peshabor.krg@gmail.com, with supporting documents attached. Contact numbers are: +964 750 390 8589. 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Overview

Bashmakh border crossing is located between Iraq and Iran 100 km northwest of Sulaymaniyah.

 

Border Crossing Picture

Daily Capacity

Bashmakh has a total daily capacity that can handle approximately 1,000 trucks. The average of trucks cross per day are 600 trucks from Iran to Iraq and 200 trucks from Iraq to Iran. There are separate lines for trucks and cars. On average, 20-25 cars per day cross the border from KRI to Iran, this number increases (from Iran) during the festivals and other occasions. The crossing has two truck parking bays, one for non-food, which has 500 bays, and one for food items. There’s a storage facility at the border area, which belongs to a private company. There is a 900 m² storage space used for food and non-food, which is fenced and monitored by security cameras, and covered with a sandwich panel, belongs to Rozhan Corporation.

Customs Clearance

The release of the shipments at the border depends on the type of goods, the expected duration of the lab test procedure varies depending on the type of goods:

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Other Relevant Information

1. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agricultural are present at the border to inspect and check Medicines, Food, Agricultural products, and Animals, which must have all the necessary approvals before crossing, otherwise the process will be on hold.
2. Bashmakh bank is available at Bashmakh crossing to facilitate business matters.
3. There is a small health clinic and ambulance at Bashmakh border in case of any serious accidents. The nearest hospital (Penjwen hospital) has an emergency room and surgical equipment (about 8 KM 15 min away). Below is the contact information of the hospital:

There are several clearing agents registered at the border. For contact information for these clearing agents, please see the following documents.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.

Overview

The latest information on the Muntyra/Khosravi border crossing with Iraq/Iran was updated in December 2018 over the phone.  

Trucks moving through this border crossing can travel to Sulaymaniyah and Baghdad. Prior permission from the General Authority of border crossings. There are no further clearances required to travel to Sulaymaniyah once having crossed the border. 

At the time of assessment the border was open but no trucks were seen crossing or parked in the truck bay area. 

Daily Capacity

• Capacity is 400 trucks per day
• Currently 10-12 trucks per day are crossing from Iran. Previously this was about 200 trucks per day.
• There are currently no trucks crossing from Iraq to Iran.
• There are separate lanes for trucks, cars and buses. Cars crossing must have prior permission to cross from customs at the border.
• To date no Humanitarian agencies have used this crossing.
• There is an available weighbridge and truck parking for up to 400 trucks.
• There is no storage space available.
• There is no restriction on size/tonnage of trucks or use of temperature controlled trucks when importing supplies that require temperature control.
• Iranian trucks can move freely across the border or can be cross loaded as required.

Customs Clearance 

• If all paperwork is in order the transit time at the border is 1-2 hrs.
•  Trucks crossing into Iraq will go through a security check and then items scanned by sonar. The trucks will then proceed to the weighbridge and onto customs.
•  Tax exemption available for Humanitarian agencies on provision of appropriate paperwork. The process needs to start in Baghdad. General Customs in Baghdad will then send the information to the border authorizing/not authorizing the crossing.
• All food certificates must be supplied. Must be inspected by Quality Control Ministry of Planning.  
• If food is transiting through Iran to Iraq food testing will take approx. 2-3 days. Trucks can continue to final destination however no distribution permitted until the food test results are available.
• For medicines and vaccines, the border will need to receive the documentation from the General Customs in Baghdad and, from MoH in Baghdad, the request with the list of medicines and/or vaccines, with medicines test results from MoH in Baghdad or (Country of origin).
• There is no restriction of type of commodities/items or where they originate from.
• There is a charge of ID 41,000 cost tax for inspection (US $25) for the manifest sheet and ID 1,000 per ton at the weighbridge.
•  There are approximately 25 Clearing Agents, who are required to renew their licenses annually. For contact information for these clearing agents, please see the following document: Munthrya Clearing Agents List
•  For procedures and documentation requirements for specific items, please see the following link: 1.3 Iraq Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

• If trucks were to be re-routed from Ibrahim Khalil border crossing to Munthrya, permission to cross is required from General Authority of border crossings Baghdad and for Customs issues Ministry of Finance. 
• Note that travel times to Baghdad are dependent on security and access.
• Trucks travelling to Baghdad with no restrictions takes approximately 6 hours.
• Trucks travelling to Baghdad via Khanaqin-Naft khana-Mandali, Bald Ruz-Kanan-Baqubah-Baghdad is 220 km and takes approximately 6 hours. Permission is required from Ministry of Interior to use this road.
• Trucks travelling to Baghdad via Khanaqin-Sadiyah-Miqdadiyah-Baghdad is 170 km and takes approximately 3 hours. Restrictions apply and permission is required from Ministry of Interior to use this road.
• Trucks travelling to Sulaymaniyah take approximately 4 hours. 

For information on government contacts, please see the following link: 4.1 Iraq Government Contact List

Photos

First entrance to the border crossing

 

Second gate entrance
 

Main office on left
 

Border crossing gate in distance
 

Weighbridge
 

Munthrya facility
 

Truck parking area